Post doc in neurobiologia cellulare – Amsterdam

December 13, 2007

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Post doc in neurobiologia cellulare – Amsterdam – Scadenza 15/01/08
Post-doc in Neuro-Cell Biology f/m
Amsterdam, 1081 HV, (Noord-Holland), 38 hours per week
VU University Amsterdam
Job description
The synaptic connectivity of neurons in the brain is established and remodeled under the influence of synapse use (activity), previous experience and external modulation by chemical signals. Secretion of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators from presynaptic terminals is a major source of such directive signals, but the impact of presynaptic secretion on connectivity is still poorly understood and heavily debated. The aim of this project is to analyze synaptogenesis and synaptic maintenance in neuronal networks that are synaptically silent and compare this to control networks.
Description of work
Two genetic models are available that are synaptically silent: munc18-1- null mutant mice and munc13-1/2 double null mutants. These models were crossed with mice expressing membrane anchored GFP in all neurons. Slices from these mice will be co-cultured with wildtype slices that express different spectral variants of GFP and interactions between pre- and postsynaptic elements will be analyzed in a spinning disc confocal imager. Outgrowing neurons may also be modified by acute expression of genes through viral infection systems. (See references on CNCR-site at Jobs.)
All the optical techniques, equipment, analysis software, viral vectors and mutant mice are available from the start of the project.
Requirements
University Graduate
We are looking for candidates with a PhD in cellular neuroscience or cell biology and extensive experience with cell culture, optical techniques and a strong motivation to pursue a career in science.
Organization
VU University Amsterdam Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has been a renowned cultural, scientific and commercial centre for many centuries. It was here, in 1880, that the VU University Amsterdam first opened its doors to students. VU stands for ‘Vrije Universiteit’, which means ‘Free University’. Here, ‘free’ refers to freedom of state and church interference. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was established in 1880 by orthodox protestants. Nowadays it aims to be inspiring, innovative and involved.
Throughout the past century, the university has continued to expand. It now comprises twelve faculties and has teaching facilities for 18,000 students.
Click here for an overview of faculties and institutes: http://www.english.vu.nl/About_the_VU/
The university campus and university hospital are situated in the south-western part of Amsterdam, one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands. The international airport of Schiphol-Amsterdam is 10 kilometres away, just 8 minutes by train. With more than fifty undergraduate (or bachelor’s) programmes and almost a hundred postgraduate (or master’s) programmes, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a wide choice of study options. The programmes are of a high quality, the atmosphere is very conducive to study, and the teaching staff is easily accessible.
The Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences is the result of the merger between the former Faculty of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Environmental Studies. The Faculty is offering education and doing research in the fields of:
Earth Sciences (physical geography and geology)
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Geoarchaeology
Public Health
Environmental Studies
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 4000 – 4500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 3 years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The appointment will be for a fixed term of 3 years. You can find information about our excellent fringe benefits of employment – including holiday allowances of 8 % and a end of year bonus of 6,4% a year in 2008 – at www.vu.nl/vacatures.
Salary
Depending on experience the salary ranges from € 3.060.- up to € 4.190,- gross per month (salary scale 11), based on a full-time employment.
Application
You can apply for this job before 15-01-2008 by sending your application to:
VU University Amsterdam
Faculty Earth and Life Sciences
Dr. J.M.R.M. Neutelings
De Boelelaan 1085
1081 HV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail address: falw-vacatures@falw.vu.nl
Information and application
For further information contact Prof. Dr. Matthijs Verhage by e-mail: matthijs.verhage@cncr.vu.nl. Please send your cv and cover letter, mentioning the vacancy number in the e-mail header or at the top left corner of the letter and envelope, before January 15st, 2008 to the VU University, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, attn. Dr. J.M.R.M. Neutelings, managing director FALW, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, or by e-mail: falw-vacatures@falw.vu.nl.
When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number 1.2007.00325.